Negotiations are under way aimed at hammering out a deal that would see the town’s library remain where it is for up to three years.

And that would pave the way for Kirkcudbright Community Trust to continue work on their proposals to incorporate the library into their plans for the old Johnston School building, pictured right.

Kirkcudbright provost and trust chairman Lesley Garbutt said: “It would be very good news. It would allow us some breathing space to get the money to do the alterations so we can have a good facility.”

The library is part of the old sheriff court building which is up for sale. A deal for the building has yet to be completed, despite officials telling councillors earlier this year it should be finalised within 10 days.

In June, councillors agreed that while the long term aim was for the library to go to the Johnston School, it should move to a temporary home in the council offices in Daar Road once the sale of the court was completed.

That was despite hundreds of people signing a petition calling for the library to move straight to the school as they feared the temporary home might become a permanent one.

They claimed they were close to finalising a business case ahead of a summer bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund but Councillor Tom McAughtrie pointed out to Stewartry area committee in June: “We have no information before us that tells us it’s worthwhile waiting until September.”

Moving the library to its temporary home could cost more than £150,000. Members were told the council would have around six months from the sale being completed to move.

However, that situation appears to have changed.

Mrs Garbutt, who is also the town’s librarian, said: “I believe the potential buyer of the building has offered a short term lease to the council which would potentially enable the library to stay where it is in the short term.

“My understanding is it will go to the community and customer services committee on October 22. I’m hoping elected members will see it as a good opportunity.”

The trust first revealed plans to redevelop the school in 2011 and Mrs Garbutt added: “The figure I have heard is three years, which would buy us time to do something. Funding has been applied for and obviously we would hope to do it before then.

“If we hadn’t managed it by the end of three years then it would be time to say sorry and move on.”

Local councillor Colin Wyper said: “Hopefully we’ll know in the next month or so how we are getting on with applications and hopefully we’ll have a better idea of how things are going.”

A council spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate for the council to comment on any aspect of a property transaction that is not yet concluded.”